2012 Toyota Sienna vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Toyota Sienna is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Sienna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Sienna (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Sienna should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Sienna weights approximately 778 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Toyota Sienna (332 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Sienna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota Sienna | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sienna | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2025 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5085 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1984 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1791 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
